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BECOME A PADI SPECIALTY DIVER IN KOH TAO
PADI Specialty Courses Koh Tao With Simply Scuba

At Simply Scuba Koh Tao, we offer a diverse range of PADI Specialty Courses designed to expand your scuba diving knowledge and skills.

Open Water Diver Course PADI Simply Scuba Koh Tao David Webber Elite Instructor

Course Details

  • Course Name: PADI Specialty Diver Courses
  • Location: Koh Tao, Thailand
  • Duration: 1–2 days per specialty (varies by course)
  • Price: Starting from 8,000 THB (varies by specialty)
  • Includes: PADI materials, certification, full equipment rental, expert instruction, and boat dives (where applicable)

Prerequisites

We have certified more than  3,000 divers 

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Dive Into Adventure: Specialty Scuba Courses at Simply Scuba Koh Tao

At Simply Scuba Koh Tao, we offer a diverse range of PADI Specialty Courses designed to expand your scuba diving knowledge and skills. Whether you’re interested in deep diving, wreck exploration, or enriched air nitrox, our experienced instructors will guide you through specialized training to enhance your underwater adventures.

Each course provides comprehensive instruction, practical dives, and PADI certification, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your next diving journey.

Enrol in PADI Specialty courses offered at Simply Scuba Koh Tao. These courses are tailored to enhance specific diving skills and knowledge, allowing you to explore new underwater adventures with confidence.

Whether you’re interested in deep diving, underwater photography, or marine conservation, there’s a specialty course to match your passion.

What You’ll Learn

PADI Specialty courses cover a wide range of diving interests and skills:

  • Deep Diver: Learn techniques for diving beyond 18 meters, including managing gas supply and understanding nitrogen narcosis.

  • Wreck Diver: Explore sunken ships and aircraft, mastering navigation and penetration skills while understanding potential hazards.

  • Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver: Extend your bottom time and reduce surface intervals by using enriched air blends safely.

  • Peak Performance Buoyancy: Enhance your buoyancy control for more efficient and environmentally friendly diving.

  • Underwater Navigator: Develop skills to navigate underwater using natural clues and compass techniques.

  • Night Diver: Experience the underwater world after dark, learning about nocturnal marine life and specialised communication.

  • Digital Underwater Photographer: Capture stunning underwater images, learning about camera settings, composition, and lighting.

  • Search and Recovery Diver: Learn effective methods to locate and retrieve lost items underwater.

  • Drift Diver: Understand how to navigate and dive in currents, using them to your advantage.

  • Dry Suit Diver: Dive in colder waters comfortably by learning how to use a dry suit.

Why Choose PADI Specialty Courses?

  • Customized Learning: Focus on areas that interest you most, tailoring your diving education to your goals.

  • Enhanced Safety: Gain in-depth knowledge and skills that contribute to safer diving practices.

  • Increased Confidence: Build confidence by mastering specific diving techniques and scenarios.

  • Global Recognition: PADI certifications are recognized worldwide, opening doors to diving opportunities across the globe.

  • Pathway to Master Scuba Diver: Completing specialty courses counts towards the prestigious Master Scuba Diver rating

At Simply Scuba Koh Tao, our experienced instructors are committed to providing high-quality training in a supportive environment. Join us to expand your diving capabilities and explore the underwater world like never before.

Try our Specialty Combo: PADI Deep, Wreck & Nitrox, and get the most three popular certifications at once!

  • PADI Deep Diver Specialty
    Expand your depth limits and learn techniques for diving up to 40 meters. This course covers deep dive planning, gas management, and the physiological effects of deeper diving.
  • PADI Wreck Diver Specialty
    Discover the skills needed to safely explore shipwrecks, including mapping, penetration techniques, and hazard identification. Gain insights into the history and ecology of wreck sites.
  • PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver Specialty
    Learn how to use enriched air nitrox to extend your no-decompression limits, plan dives, and analyze oxygen content. Ideal for maximizing bottom time, especially on repetitive dives.
  • PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty
    Enhance your buoyancy control for more efficient and environmentally friendly diving. This course helps you reduce air consumption and improve your overall diving posture.
  • PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty
    Develop your underwater navigation skills using natural clues and compass techniques. Learn to navigate more precisely and confidently during your dives.
  • PADI Night Diver Specialty
    Experience the underwater world after dark and learn about nocturnal marine life. This course covers night diving techniques, communication, and navigation.
  • PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Specialty
    Capture stunning underwater images by learning about camera settings, composition, and lighting. This course is perfect for divers looking to document their underwater adventures.
  • PADI Search and Recovery Diver Specialty
    Learn effective methods to locate and retrieve lost items underwater. This course covers search patterns, lift bag use, and recovery techniques.
  • PADI Drift Diver Specialty
    Understand how to navigate and dive in currents, using them to your advantage. Learn about drift diving techniques, equipment, and safety considerations.
  • PADI Dry Suit Diver Specialty
    Dive in colder waters comfortably by learning how to use a dry suit. This course covers dry suit maintenance, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures.
  • PADI Fish Identification Specialty
    Learn how to identify various fish species and understand their behaviors. This course enhances your appreciation of marine biodiversity and aids in conservation efforts.
  • PADI Coral Reef Conservation Specialty
    Gain knowledge about the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face. Learn how you can contribute to their preservation and health.
  • PADI AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty
    Understand the role of sharks in marine ecosystems and the challenges they face. This course promotes shark conservation and responsible diving practices.
  • PADI Self-Reliant Diver Specialty
    Develop skills for independent diving, including gas management, navigation, and emergency procedures. This course is ideal for experienced divers seeking self-sufficiency.
  • PADI Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) Diver Specialty
    Learn the proper techniques and protocols for using surface marker buoys and delayed surface marker buoys (DSMBs). This course enhances your safety during ascents and at the surface.
  • PADI Adaptive Support Diver Specialty
    Increase your awareness and ability to support dive buddies with physical or mental challenges. This course focuses on adaptive techniques and inclusive diving practices.
  • PADI Equipment Specialist Specialty
    Gain insights into the maintenance and repair of scuba equipment. This course helps you understand how your gear works and how to care for it properly.
  • PADI Boat Diver Specialty
    Learn about boat diving procedures, including entry and exit techniques, and how to manage your gear on board. This course is beneficial for divers who frequently dive from boats.
  • PADI Sidemount Diver Specialty
    Explore the benefits of sidemount diving, including improved streamlining and gas management. This course teaches you how to set up and dive with sidemount configurations.
  • PADI Cavern Diver Specialty
    Experience the thrill of exploring caverns while learning about overhead environment protocols, line handling, and emergency procedures. This course is a stepping stone to cave diving.
  • PADI Ice Diver Specialty
    Dive under the ice and learn about the unique challenges and procedures involved. This course covers equipment considerations, communication, and safety measures.
  • PADI Altitude Diver Specialty
    Understand how diving at altitudes above 300 meters (1,000 feet) affects dive planning and execution. This course teaches you how to adjust your dive profiles accordingly.
  • PADI Multilevel Diver Specialty
    Learn how to plan and execute dives that involve different depth levels, maximizing your bottom time and safety. This course introduces you to dive computers and the use of the eRDPML.
  • PADI Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) Specialty
    Experience the excitement of using a DPV to cover more distance underwater. This course teaches you about DPV operation, maintenance, and safety considerations.
  • PADI Underwater Videographer Specialty
    Capture your underwater experiences on video by learning about camera techniques, shot composition, and editing. This course is ideal for divers interested in documenting their dives.
  • PADI Underwater Naturalist Specialty
    Enhance your understanding of aquatic ecosystems and the relationships between marine organisms. This course promotes environmental awareness and responsible diving.
  • PADI Project AWARE Specialty
    Learn about the global challenges facing aquatic environments and how you can contribute to their protection. This course emphasizes conservation and sustainable diving practices.
  • PADI Dive Against Debris Specialty
    Participate in underwater clean-up efforts and learn how to report debris data to help protect marine environments. This course combines diving with citizen science.
  • PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider Specialty
    Gain the knowledge and skills to recognize diving illnesses treatable with emergency oxygen and to administer oxygen effectively. This course is valuable for all divers.
  • PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) Specialty
    Learn CPR and first aid skills that are essential for emergency situations, both in and out of the water. This course is a prerequisite for the PADI Rescue Diver course.
  • PADI Adaptive Techniques Specialty
    Develop the skills to teach and support divers with physical or mental challenges. This course is designed for PADI Professionals who want to make diving more accessible.
  • PADI Digital Learning Materials
    Access to official PADI eLearning modules tailored to your chosen specialty, allowing you to study at your own pace before or during your stay.

  • Expert Instruction by Certified PADI Professionals
    Receive personalized training from our experienced instructors, ensuring you gain the skills and knowledge specific to your specialty course.

  • Open Water Training Dives
    Participate in practical dives that apply your learned skills in real-world scenarios, with the number of dives varying by specialty.

  • Full Equipment Rental
    All necessary scuba gear is provided during the course, including any specialty-specific equipment required for your training.

  • PADI Certification Card
    Upon successful completion, you’ll receive an internationally recognized PADI certification card for your specialty.

  • Small Group Sizes
    Benefit from low student-to-instructor ratios, ensuring ample attention and a safer, more personalized learning experience.

  • Dive Insurance Coverage
    Enjoy peace of mind with comprehensive dive insurance provided during your training period.

  • Logbook Documentation
    Record your training dives and progress in your personal dive logbook, a valuable tool for tracking your diving journey.

  • Environmental Awareness and Conservation Practices
    Learn about responsible diving practices and how to minimize your impact on marine ecosystems, aligning with PADI’s commitment to ocean conservation.


Booking Information:

Ready to take the plunge?

  • Online: Visit our website and use the booking form to reserve your spot.

  • Email: Send us an email at info@simplyscubakohtao.com with your preferred dates.

  • Phone: Call us at +66 808 295006 to speak directly with our team.

Available Dive Specialties You Can Choose From

Fine-tune your buoyancy control to extend your dive time, conserve air, and glide effortlessly through the water. This specialty improves your trim and control, helping you avoid accidental contact with coral or marine life—especially important when diving the vibrant reefs around Koh Tao.

Explore sunken ships or artificial reefs while learning how to navigate safely around and inside wrecks. You’ll practice mapping, penetration protocols (if applicable), and safety considerations unique to wreck diving. Koh Tao features several exciting wrecks perfect for this adventure dive.

Learn how to find and retrieve lost objects underwater using search patterns, lift bags, and navigation techniques. This dive is ideal for building practical diving skills and teamwork while experiencing a more technical side of scuba diving in Koh Tao.

Capture the magic of marine life and colorful coral reefs with this specialty. You’ll get tips on composition, lighting, and buoyancy control specific to taking clear, compelling underwater shots using your own camera or rental equipment.

Experience the thrill of gliding through the water effortlessly with a diver propulsion vehicle. DPVs let you cover more ground quickly and are great fun while diving at larger Koh Tao sites. Learn how to control the scooter, manage speed, and dive with a buddy.

Sharpen your marine biology skills by learning how to identify reef fish families and species common to Koh Tao’s waters. Understanding what you’re seeing adds a whole new layer of enjoyment to your dives and helps you become a more aware and environmentally responsible diver.

Discover the reef after dark and see marine life you’d never spot during the day. Night diving in Koh Tao reveals octopuses, bioluminescence, sleeping parrotfish, and other nocturnal wonders. You’ll learn how to use dive lights and communicate in the dark.

The PADI Underwater Navigator Specialty course is designed to enhance your underwater orientation skills, ensuring you can confidently find your way during dives. This course is ideal for divers who wish to improve their navigation abilities, making every dive more enjoyable and efficient.

The PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider Specialty course equips you with the knowledge and skills to recognize diving illnesses treatable with emergency oxygen and to administer oxygen safely and effectively.

The PADI Dive Against Debris Specialty empowers divers to take direct action against marine pollution. By removing debris and reporting data, you contribute to a global effort to protect marine ecosystems.

Why Choose Simply Scuba Koh Tao?
  • Prime Location / Beachfront Dive Center: Beachfront dive center near Koh Tao’s best nightlife, dining, and sunset views, with short boat rides to 25+ dive sites​

  • Top-Rated Dive Sites: Discover the rich biodiversity of Koh Tao’s underwater ecosystems, home to colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and, with a bit of luck, sea turtles or even whale sharks.

  • No Prior Experience Required: This program is designed for individuals aged 10 and above, with no previous diving experience necessary.

  • Flexible Scheduling: With daily departures, we accommodate your travel plans, making it easy to fit this unforgettable experience into your itinerary.

  • Award-winning Facilities: Two custom dive boats, two training pools, air-conditioned classrooms, and equipment included for safety and comfort
  • Experienced Instructors: Our team of certified PADI professionals ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for your child.

  • Small Group Sizes: We maintain low student-to-instructor ratios to provide personalised attention.

  • Family-Friendly Environment: Our facilities are designed to accommodate families, making it a perfect activity for everyone.

  • Reputable Dive Center: As a PADI 5-Star Dive Center, we adhere to the highest standards of diver education and safety.

  • Community Engagement: We actively participate in marine conservation efforts, offering specialties like Dive Against Debris.

WHY IS KOH TAO THE PERFECT PLACE TO LEARN TO DIVE?

Koh Tao offers the ideal setting for your first scuba diving adventure. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity, it’s no surprise that diving in Koh Tao is considered some of the best in Thailand. Whether you’re gliding alongside colorful reef fish or catching a glimpse of a sea turtle, every dive is an unforgettable experience.

As a top destination for PADI courses, Koh Tao is perfect for beginners and certified divers alike. Our dive trips include renowned sites such as Sail Rock—famous for its dramatic underwater pinnacle and abundant marine life—or Chumphon Pinnacle, a favorite among divers seeking thrilling encounters in the Gulf of Thailand.

Koh Tao is renowned for offering some of the best dive sites in Thailand, attracting divers from all over the world. Here are four reasons why scuba diving in Koh Tao stands out:

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Testimonials

January 2025 | Alex h

Amazing diving school thanks to Meg and Dave. They were really helpful and also really funny and made the whole experience really fantastic to be honest. If you’re wondering where to go definitely go to this school and ask for Dave or Meg to be your instructor, you can’t go wrong.

Dec 2024 | Lotte

Out of all the places to do your open water course in Koh Tao, which are a lot, I am so glad I got to do mine at Simple Life Divers, with Dave as my instructor. During this three-day course you thoroughly learn all the skills that are needed for open water diving. Dave’s patience and laid-back way of teaching really amplified our confidence, which made the experience in general a very positive one. A welcoming community during the dives and outside of it, as we got to join them for Christmas dinner as well. When in Koh Tao, I’d definitely recommend starting or continuing diving as the diving sites are absolutely stunning and the crew of Simple Life Divers so supportive, an unbeatable combination.

Dec 2024 | Sean V
There’s an overwhelming number of options when choosing a diving school on Koh Tao, but these guys were seriously awesome! Dave was an amazing instructor with a perfect blend of fun but knowledgeable. The group size was also fantastic. Can’t recommend enough!
Nov 2024 | Anna M
Nailed my OWD course with Dave and I couldn’t be happier about it. Classes were focused on mastering practical skills with a lot of advice, attention, comfort and care. Thanks for all the support and encouragement provided – I have felt so safe and seen, Dave and Nathan were always there for me whenever I had any doubts or needed extra assistance. Proud to be a part of divers’ community since today!
April 2025 | Cruiser18442934740

I did my Open Water and Advanced Scuba Diving Certifications back-to-back with Dave as my instructor. The whole time he made me feel super safe and confident in everything I was doing, whilst also being such a good laugh. I learnt so much from him, he’s so knowledgeable in the industry, and he really tried to impart as much of that knowledge as possible. He made the experience so enjoyable for the group.

It’s quite nerve-wracking being a new diver, but all the Simple Life Divers are so friendly and helpful whether it’s in the dive shop or out on the water. I’d like to give a huge shout-out to Billy, in particular, who helped out on both my courses.

I really recommend Simple Life as the dive shop of choice in Koh Tao.

March 2025 | Sophie D

Had a great time with Dave doing my open water course. Never dived before, everyone was very nice and welcoming and made me feel comfortable in the water. Very relaxed, great dive sites, highly recommend!

March 2025 | Dreamer30663427746

My Instructor Dave was funny and knowledgable as always, did my Open water diver last year and came back this time to do the Advanced course. Cant do much wrong booking here.

March 2025 | Albert C

Just finished my open water qualification with Simple Life Divers! – My instructor Dave Webber is a class act. Great banter, very knowledgable and easy to learn from! I originally discovered Simple Life via word of mouth (friend at home) and can safely say anyone who wants to learn scuba on Koh Tao this is the only place you need to go to.

March 2025 | Olivia W

The experience was nothing short of phenomenal, not just because of the beautiful reefs of Koh Tao, but our instructors Dave and Jake. Both created a super safe space for learning and asking questions. Dave’s delivery of the course was beyond expectations and supplemented by his wealth of experience, having been diving for 32 years all over the world. He prioritizes safety in his teaching and during training dives, frequently checking in with each student and taking the time to thoroughly explain tough concepts or key points. I’d come all the way back to Koh Tao from Canada to do my advanced level cert just because of Dave, he’s an absolute legend.

March 2025 | Tessa L

With so many dive schools on the island, I took my time and visited six different ones to find the perfect fit. I wanted not just a professional and safe diving school, but also a place where I would feel comfortable and supported.

What made this experience truly special was the way Dave and Jake shared their passion for diving with such patience and enthusiasm. They created a relaxed and supportive learning environment where I felt completely safe and confident in the water. Taking my first breath underwater and floating among the stunning marine life of Koh Tao was absolutely magical.

Frequently asked questions

PADI Specialty Courses are focused training programs that allow divers to explore specific areas of scuba diving, such as deep diving, underwater navigation, or marine conservation.

PADI offers over 25 standard specialty courses, including Enriched Air Diver, Wreck Diver, Night Diver, and more.

Yes, many divers choose to combine specialties, such as Deep Diver and Wreck Diver, to maximise their learning experience.

No, we provide all necessary scuba equipment for the duration of your course.

Most specialty courses require a PADI Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. Some specialties may have additional prerequisites.

Most specialty courses can be completed in 1–2 days, depending on the specific requirements.

Yes, upon successful completion, you’ll receive a PADI Specialty Diver certification card for each course.

Many specialties offer eLearning options, allowing you to complete the theoretical portion online before arriving in Koh Tao.

Contact

Need help? Call us or message us (WhatsApp)

+66 808 295006


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